FORENSIC SCIENCE

TECHNICIANS
ANGELINE GARCIA, KIANTE PHELPS, AND MATTHEW MORENO
CONCEPTS OF ENGINEERING
MR. THORN
2ND PERIOD

FORENSIC TECHNICIANS
Types of tasks
The general tasks of a forensic technician include collecting evidence,
analyzing collected evidence in a laboratory setting and writing reports
summarizing the results of this analysis. Forensic technicians may specialize
in a particular types of evidence, include fingerprinting, biochemistry,
ballistics or handwriting analysis. Forensic technicians may also be asked to
testify in court cases, especially in an area of individual expertise.
Collecting evidence
Analyzing collected evidence
Writing reports

ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THIS JOB

OCCURS

Most forensic science technicians work in indoor laboratories. Although at

times being in forensics, it may require them to go outdoors to crime scenes.
Police departments and offices
Crime laboratories
Morgues
Medical examiner/coroner offices

SIGNIFICANT POINTS
Forensic science technicians help investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing
physical evidence. Many technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation
or laboratory analysis. Most forensic science technicians spend some time writing
reports.
Most laboratory forensic science technicians work full time during normal business
hours. Crime scene investigators may work long hours, and travel to crime scenes
within their jurisdiction
Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor's degree in the
natural sciences, such as chemistry or biology. On-the-job training is usually
required for both those who investigate crime scenes and those who work in labs.
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from
2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Competition for jobs will
be strong because of substantial interest in forensic science.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION AND OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED FOR
THIS JOB
Experience:A minimum of two to
The American Board of Forensic Document Examiners
The American Board of Medico legal Death Investigators
The American Board of Criminalistics
The American Board of Forensic Toxicology
Undergo a background investigation
Pass a polygraph examination
Pass a urinalysis drug test
Possess a valid drivers license

four years of work-related skill,

knowledge, or experience is
needed for these occupations. For
example, an accountant must
complete four years of college
and work for several years in
accounting to be considered
qualified.

Education:Most of these
occupations require a four - year
bachelor's degree, but some do
not.

Show proof of a formal training program

Training:Employees
Complete a course of training under the guidance of a seasoned
forensic scientist in these

occupations usually need several

Provide proof of education, certification, and experience through
original
years
of work-related experience,
on-the-job training, and/or
transcripts, diplomas, and certificates
vocational training.

EMPLOYMENT
Bloodstain pattern analyst
Forensic Ballistic Expert
Forensic DNA Analyst
Polygraph Examiner
Forensic Document Examiner
Forensic Toxicologist
Forensic Anthropologist

JOB OUTLOOK
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to
grow 6 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average
for all occupations. Scientific and technological advances are
expected to increase the usefulness, availability, and reliability
of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials. In
addition, the use of forensic evidence in criminal proceedings
is expected to expand.

EARNINGS OR WAGES
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation
earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median
wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment
Statistics survey. In May 2012, the median annual wage for all
workers was $52,840 per year
($25.41 per hour)

SUMMARY
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence
related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or
substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine
significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses
on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as
specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics,
fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Any Questions?